Alice Martin

Alice Marian Hejlik Martin, age 78, was born in Britt, Iowa to Frank and Bessie Hejlik. She was raised on their family farm, and graduated top of her class from Sacred Heart Academy Convent School. She then graduated from Mercy Nursing School in Mason City, IA in 1955 and later got her degree in Health Administration. She married William D. Martin and they made their first home in Milwaukee, residing there for 21 years. Her passion was for "life" which started her career working in the obstetrics unit at St. Joseph's Hospital in between raising her eight children. They belonged to St Sebastian's Parish. In 1976 they moved to Ladysmith, WI, and were parishioners at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Alice continued her nursing career at Rusk Memorial Hospital and then as a Home Health Nurse. She was active in the Pro-Life movement and was one of the founding directors of the Rusk County Pregnancy Resource Center. She worked with the Catholic diocese and bishop as a coordinator for the Wisconsin Right to Life movement. Alice was a true champion of life, loved by all for her gentle nature and devout faith, and handling everything life sent her with grace and dignity. She wore numerous hats: mother, wife, caregiver, activist, author, lactation and lamaze specialist, gardener, and seamstress, among others; but most who knew her just referred to her as a saint! Her husband of 55 years, Bill, died in 2010. She is survived by her eight children: Annette Kaminsky of Two Rivers, WI; Mary Martin of Minneapolis, MN; Carolyn Martin of St Cloud, MN; John (Patti) Martin of Cornell, WI; David (Pam) Martin of Spooner, WI; Thomas (Denise) Martin of Green Bay, WI; William (Heather) Martin of LaCrescent, WI and Patricia (Matthew) Luxton of San Diego, CA; and 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters: Betty (George) Tlach, Rosella (Dave) Tisl, Mildred (Don) Neppl, and Theresa (Cliff) Doran; she was preceded in death by her brother Cletus (Adene) Hejlik. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Thursday October 10th 5 - 8 PM at Bradshaw, 1078 Rice Street, St. Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held October 11th at 12:00 PM with a visitation 1 hour prior to services at St. Odilia Church 3495 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred: Maryknoll: The U.S. Catholic Mission Movement, Food for the Poor, Covenant House and Care Net Pregnancy Resource Center of Ladysmith, Wisconsin.